For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire, For my enemies speak against meThe phrase "For my enemies" refers to those who are adversaries or opponents, often seen as those who oppose the righteous or the faithful. In the Hebrew text, the word for "enemies" is "oyeb," which conveys hostility and animosity. Historically, the psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, faced numerous adversaries throughout his life, from King Saul to his own son Absalom. This phrase captures the reality of living a life of faith amidst opposition. The act of speaking against someone implies slander or false accusations, a common tactic used by enemies to undermine and discredit. In a spiritual sense, this can also be seen as the forces of evil speaking against the believer, attempting to sow doubt and fear. those who lie in wait for my life The phrase "those who lie in wait" suggests a premeditated and stealthy approach to causing harm. The Hebrew root "tsaphan" means to hide or to lurk, indicating a deliberate and malicious intent. This imagery is reminiscent of predators stalking their prey, highlighting the danger and vulnerability faced by the psalmist. In the historical context, David often found himself pursued by those who sought his life, whether it was Saul's relentless pursuit or the betrayal of trusted friends. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the devil and his minions, who are described in the New Testament as prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking whom they may devour (1 Peter 5:8). conspire The word "conspire" comes from the Hebrew "ya'ats," which means to counsel or plan together, often with a negative connotation of plotting evil. This indicates a coordinated effort by the enemies to bring about the psalmist's downfall. In the biblical narrative, conspiracies against God's anointed were not uncommon, as seen in the plots against David and later against Jesus Christ. Theologically, this reflects the broader cosmic battle between good and evil, where the forces of darkness conspire against the plans of God and His people. Despite these conspiracies, the psalmist's faith remains steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. This serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful and trust in God's protection, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. EnemiesThese are individuals or groups who oppose the psalmist, seeking to harm or undermine him. In the context of Psalm 71, they represent those who are against the righteous and faithful followers of God. 2. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is a faithful servant of God who is experiencing distress and persecution from his adversaries. 3. ConspiracyThis refers to the secretive and malicious plans devised by the enemies to harm the psalmist. It highlights the deceitful and cunning nature of those who oppose God's people. Teaching Points The Reality of OppositionBelievers should be aware that following God may lead to opposition and persecution from those who reject His ways. Trust in God's ProtectionDespite the presence of enemies, believers can trust in God's protection and deliverance, as He is a refuge for the righteous. Responding to PersecutionChristians are called to respond to persecution with faith and prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. The Power of PrayerIn times of distress, turning to God in prayer is crucial. The psalmist's example encourages believers to pour out their hearts to God. God's FaithfulnessRemembering God's past faithfulness can provide comfort and assurance in the face of current trials. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's experience with enemies in Psalm 71:10 relate to the challenges faced by believers today? 2. In what ways can we find comfort in God's protection when we feel surrounded by adversaries? 3. How does the theme of conspiracy against the righteous appear in other parts of the Bible, and what can we learn from these instances? 4. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith and trust in God when facing opposition? 5. How can we use prayer as a tool to combat fear and anxiety when confronted by those who seek to harm us? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 31:13This verse also speaks of enemies conspiring against the psalmist, emphasizing the recurring theme of persecution faced by the righteous. Jeremiah 18:18The prophet Jeremiah experiences similar conspiracies against him, showing that God's servants often face opposition. Matthew 26:4The religious leaders conspire against Jesus, illustrating that even the Son of God faced plots from His enemies. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Banded, Conspire, Consult, Consulted, Counsel, Designs, Enemies, Evil, Haters, Kill, Lay, Secretly, Soul, Speak, Spoken, Talk, Wait, Waiting, Watch, WatchingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 71:10 5205 alliance 5817 conspiracies 6163 faults 6233 rejection, experience Psalm 71:10-11 5977 waiting Library December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24). "My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth More and More David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace "My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse … Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. … Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi. For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; … James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night. They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches … Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour … Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents. We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue … G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue... 12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which … St. Augustine—On Patience The Christian's Hope Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which … Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity... 20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not … St. Augustine—On Patience Psalms The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 71:10 NIVPsalm 71:10 NLTPsalm 71:10 ESVPsalm 71:10 NASBPsalm 71:10 KJV
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